4 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin
By Brendan Price
20 June 2019 - 6 minute read
Do you avoid yawning on winter mornings for fear of summoning cracked, flaky skin around your mouth?
You’re not alone.
Dry and extremely dry skin occurs in over 30% of the population of the U.S alone and only increases in winter months.
A good moisturizer is one of many active steps you should be taking to hydrate your skin. It’s the foundation of any great skincare routine.
But alas, not every moisturizer is created equal, and some will do more harm than good. Fragrance and sulfates will only leave you more frustrated than relieved in your quest for supple skin.
And with new skincare brands emerging day after day, it can knock your head into orbit just thinking about all your options.
So what is the best moisturizer for dry skin?
Before we get into it, you need to understand why you’re a flaky, dehydrated mess in the first place. The better you understand the root cause, the better you can tackle it and regain your confidence.
Why is my skin dry?
Your skin is made up of multiple layers that need a certain amount of oil and moisture.
The outermost layer (stratum corneum) is most vulnerable to drying, and this is what causes the dreaded flaking and irritation that you've no doubt experienced.
Dry skin factors:
• Dry climate (low humidity) and cold weather
• Frequent showering in hot water
• Applying chemicals to the skin
• Prolonged sun exposure
• Heavily perfumed soaps and detergents
• Malnutrition
• Certain medications like diuretics
And of course, some of us unlucky souls are just genetically more prone to skin dryer than Namibia in November.
But hope is not lost. Your dry skin solution starts with a world-class moisturizer. We hand-picked and reviewed the best so you don't have to.
4 Best Moisturizers for Dry Skin
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream Intense Hydration
This ultra repair cream is an intense solution to your dry skin. But more importantly, it was created with the intention of minimizing irritation with real nurturing ingredients. One application eradicates dry skin and is clinically proven to increase hydration by 169%.
Did we mention it’s also an Allure Best of Beauty Winner?
Key Ingredients
Colloidal Oatmeal
An FDA designated skin protectant that provides major relief for rashes, eczema and other skin conditions by creating a protective barrier.
Shea Butter
An emolliant to moisturize and protect the skin. Rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids.
Allantoin
Anti-irritant that promotes cell regeneration and wound healing.
FAB Antioxidant Booster
White Tea Extract, Licorice Root and Feverfew help ward off environmental skin aggressors.
Eau Thermale Avene Skin Recovery Cream
Hailing from the south of France, Avene uses a sterile formula with minimal ingredients for maximum skin tolerance. They’re able to do this by using an airless pump that keeps the cream 100% sterile. Therefore, no parabens, preservatives, fragrances or dyes are needed.
It’s a revolutionary approach to skincare that delivers on its promise to deeply hydrate without nasty side effects.
Key Ingredients
Thermal Spring Water
Soothes skin and helps minimize sensitivity
Glycerin
Draws moisture to the skins outer layer and forms a protective barrier
Parcerine
Quickly reduces irritations, sensitivity, and eliminates skin tightness
Aqualia Thermal Rich Cream Face Moisturizer
This thermal formula is rich and refreshing, providing long-lasting hydration to your face without any substantial loss of water. It’s got a bunch of unique and essential ingredients for supple skin, 97% of which are from natural origins. This includes the magical Hyaluronic Acid.
Just note this moisturizer has a mild fragrance (for anyone with sensitivities out there).
Key Ingredients
Vichy Mineralizing Thermal Water
Sourced from French volcanoes and charged with 15 essential minerals, this super-water strengthens the skin moisture barrier
Hyaluronic Acid
Holds over 1000 times its weight in water, keeping your skin supremely hydrated and plumped at all times
Plant Sugars
Delivers high-performance hydration locking in moisture to the skin barrier
Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion (Best budget moisturizer)
No list of best moisturizers for dry skin is complete without throwing Cetaphil in the mix. This no thrills solution to dry skin has stood the test of time, and is suitable for nearly every skin type out there. We recommend moving away from heavier moisturizers when humidity levels start to balance out again. Cetaphil is perfect for summer months with its non-greasy formula.
Key ingredients
Vitamin E
An easily absorbed vitamin that deeply nourishes the skin and protects from free radicals
Vitamin B5
Produces an anti-inflammatory effect while triggering the skins healing vital process
Additional tips for dry skin
Get chugging
You already know water is literally life essence, yet you probably don’t drink enough do you?
As the old saying goes: by the time you feel thirsty its too late. You’re already dehydrated.
Aim for at least 2 liters per day and even more if you exercise. Set reminders on your phone if you have to. Keeping the plumbing in that temple of yours active and turn your skin woes around.
Ditch the hellfire showers
It’s tempting to crank the heat right up during the cold winter months and seemingly open up the gates of hell as you do so. But steaming hot showers are likely to draw that sweet moisture out of your skin through evaporation and strip it of any natural oils it has.
Instead, use warm or lukewarm water, especially for your face. Your skin will thank you for it.
Use a humidifier
What good is technology if we can’t leverage it for skincare benefits? A humidifier is a great way to fill the air with some much-needed moisture.
This can help keep your hair and skin healthy and hydrated, as well as loosening congestion.
Mind your micro-nutrients
The most advanced skincare regime in the world won’t save you if you’re piling nutritionally empty foods down your throat all day. When you nourish from within, you’ve won half the battle.
Aim for whole foods high in Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Selenium and essential fatty acids.
Use a skin vacuum
When you want to exfoliate, increase blood flow and remove dead cells, a high-quality skin vacuum is a great choice. It also helps trigger the skins vital healing process. Just remember to moisturizer thoroughly afterwards.
The wrap up
The quest for moist, supple skin can seem never-ending. But, from a real dry skin sufferer, I promise you there is an end to your struggles.
Start with one of these best moisturizers for dehydrated skin.
The right moisturizer along with the tips outlined above can radically change not only the composition your skin but your confidence, charm and glow.
